Dog Origins: Where Do Dogs Come From?
Posted: Wednesday, April 26, 2006
by Steve Allison
It's widely believed that dogs originated over 17,000 years ago recent DNA testing and closer fossil examination is suggesting that dogs originated as far as 150,000 years ago. However the dating in relation to the Bible seems a little far fetched. We know they were around in Bible days because it is mention in several passages.
Scientists and researchers have come up with several possible paths that the development of modern dogs has followed.
Dogs have lived and worked with humans in many different roles throughout the ages. Even today people are continually finding new ways in which dogs can enhance their lives, or perform useful services to people.
In order to understand dogs and their complex relationship to humans we need to look back to the origins of the species and take a closer look at the habits of wolves.
Wolves are very social animals they live in packs and derive not only assured survival but also enjoy relationships within the pack. We can clearly see evidence of wolves’ social structure systems if we look at our own dogs today.
In a healthy relationship the human is the alpha member of the pack. A less socialized dog is widely believed to think that he is the leader of your pack, instead of you - the owner.
Today it is widely believed that domestication is occurring at a much greater speed than was previously thought. It seems dogs are now born with highly prized traits.
Not only their temperaments but also the way they look is greatly changing. Scientists have had a tough time telling some skull and bone fragments apart. It's mainly differences in the skull and teeth that scientists can sue to determine if the specimens are wolf or dog remains.
At a farm in
Researchers around the world are also becoming interested in the cognitions of our dogs and how our dogs have become accepted into our human social structures. History cannot trace the exact routes of wolf to dog.
Wolves are now on endangered lists around the world. Many valiant efforts are being made to curb the steady decline in wolf numbers.
Is it all part of evolution?
Dogs have evolved slowly from wolves and found a home with humans. They've become an essential part of human life. If all wolves had formed such relationships with humans they too might be assured of life without extinction.
It is far easier to envision a world without wolves than it is to imagine a world without Boston Terriers, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Shih Tzu’s or Pugs.
well i just came 2 this page 2 see it is realy kool becuase it showed me things that i did not even know any ways thanx 4 every thing bye!!!!!!!!!!!!
This doesn't really explain where dogs came from; I think everyone guessed they were descendants of wolves, but did they evolve from them or was it crossbreading with a different species?
Could I please know where they came from? This article may talk about evolution of dogs and stuff like that, but I don't know ~where~ they come from.
This page kinda helped me i am doing a report on them and this gave me a little info on what i wanted to but the rest i either knew or did not make since or was not help at all!
This is incorrect. Dogs are a mixture of different animals. Some breeds have wolf in them; others do not.that's not true at all. Dogs ARE wolves. they are a subspecies of grey wolf and nearly identical genetically. They are even able to interbreed with wolves.
this artical was not helpful at all. it didnt even answer the question if dogs are decendants of wolves.... it beat around the bush to the end... without answering the question stll
I have a picture of dogs playing poker. Can they play checkers or chess as well? Let me know as soon as possible so I can get started.
Hello SteveGreat article. All dogs have the genes of the wolf. For me personally, I love wolves and have been around many that are domesticated. I have a dingo mixed breed now and he has the wolf's natural characteristics, minus the experimentation. I hope the wolves never become totally extinct. Mankind has played with, rearranged genetic structure and subjected the canine species to experiments. Very sad. Canines have had their genetics messed with until we now have dogs that have so many genetic illnesses that they mimic us humans in our poor health. Canines should not be relegated to being nothing but a human's plaything, making them cuter, fluffier, tinier and on and on to suit our fashion and desire. Sad state of affairs.Blessings
I have a G.S and I think she must at some point came from a wolf lol but for real they have alot in common
no matter what they are
or where they come from.
a dog is a man's best friend
for life
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